For over a decade, German automaker Audi has brought style, class, and comfort to their A3 premium compact sedan. As their engineering prowess reaches new heights with the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron®plug-in hybrid, find out which model is right for you by exploring the 2017 upgrades.

Redesigned from the inside out, compare the new features and technology to see why Audi stays one step ahead with each model.

Similarities and Differences between the Audi A3 and the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron®

2017 Audi A3 Sedan Specs at a Glance

MSRP: $31,200

City/Hwy MPG: 26/35

Trims: Premium, Premium Plus, Prestige

Drivetrain: FWD, AWD

Engine: 4-Cyl Turbo 2.0 Liter TFSI®

Transmission: S tronic® 7-Speed Automatic

2017 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron® Specs at a Glance

MSRP: $38,900

City/Hwy MPG: Estimated 83 MPG

Trims: Premium, Premium Plus, Prestige

Drivetrain: FWD

Engine: 4-Cyl Turbo 1.4 Liter TFSI

Transmission: S tronic® 6-Speed Automatic

What’s Alike?

Starting with the Premium trim, both models feature high-end Audi features such as:

Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights

Panoramic sunroof

Audi pre sense® basic

Audi pre sense® front

Optional Audi virtual cockpit

Available updated MMI touch hardware

Audi pre sense®is a predictive safety technology feature that continually analyzes information from ESP sensors and video cameras. This information helps to reduce the number of accidents and risks to the front and rear of your vehicle, even when in cruise control.

Furthermore, the all-new Audi virtual cockpit gives you a complete readout of range and consumption specifications for both electricity (on the Sportback) and gas (both models). Smarter technology means keeping your focus on the road.

What’s Different?

A3 Sedan Features

Featuring a 5-Star safety rating from the NHTSA, the A3 sedan is a well-protected industry leader in terms of design, safety, and comfort. The hybrid has not yet been rated, but is expecting high ratings as well.

The Audi A3 gets peak performance slightly faster than the hybrid model by reaching 60 MPH in just 4.7 seconds, over the still-impressive 7.6 seconds in the Sportback e-tron®.

Other 2017 upgrades for the Audi A3 line include:

Expanded driver assistance systems

Singleframe ® grille front fascia

New LED headlights

Lower front bumper and rear bumper designs

Parking system plus for Premium Plus and Prestige models

Quad exhaust outlets

New 6-way power adjustable front seats

For more information about Audi design features for the 2017 models, visit theAudiUSA newsroom.

A3 Sportback e-tron® Features

Audi A3 Sportback e-tron® is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that takes the forward focus on luxury and sportiness from the A3 line and adds world-class storage and sustainability features.

Designed with storage and efficiency in mind, you can enjoy long, comfortable road trips whenever the mood strikes. With 83 MPG gas/electric hybrid technology, and 13.6 cu ft cargo volume, you can pack up your gear and friends, and then drive to adventure without frequent stops or overcrowded seat space.

Every Audi A3 Sportback e-tron® trim has the added advantage of the Audi advanced key, which gives drivers keyless start, stop, and entry. On the A3 sedan, this option starts with the Premium Plus trim on up.

New features for 2017 include:

All-electric driving option

Bolder front fascia

Optional large-screen virtual cockpit

Apple CarPlay™ smartphone interface

Android Auto™

4G LTE modem with Wi-Fi connectivity

According to the press release, another exclusive feature that separates the Sportback from the rest of the A3 model line is “the available Sport package, which adds a 3-spoke, flat-bottom, multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles, 18” 15-spoke Turbine-design wheels with all-season tires, front sport seats, and an S line roof spoiler.”

Finding your fit means test driving each of the models to see which one is right for you.

Test Drive an Audi A3 or A3 Sportback e-tron® at Audi Asheville in North Carolina

Whether you’re in Asheville, Boone, Hendersonville, or any of the surrounding areas, our helpful staff can show you all the new features on the 2017 models and help you compare them with other new, pre-owned, and certified Audi models from our stock. We’ll help you find your fit, and can even assist withfinancing and leasing options.